Experienced Family Law Firm Based in Perth.
Our advice is designed to bring your matter to the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time.
About Dimond Family Lawyers
The leaders in Family Law matters in Perth.
Helping you achieve a successful plan.; settlement.; mediation.;outcome.
We understand that going through a divorce or separation can be one of the most stressful and emotionally challenging times in a person’s life. Our team of experienced Perth family lawyers is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex legal issues involved in divorce and separation while providing compassionate and supportive guidance every step of the way.
Our divorce and separation services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, whether they are seeking a divorce or need assistance in resolving issues related to property division, child custody, child support, spousal support, or other related matters.
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Before Separating.
Our Legal Practice Director, Erryn Dimond, talks about aspects involving separation.
Understanding the Divorce Process.
Simply put, divorce involves two important steps:
A couple must live apart for at least 12 months before either party can initiate the divorce process. It is possible to file for divorce even if they live in the same home, as long as certain conditions are met.
Once the divorce form is submitted, a hearing date is scheduled, and if the application is approved, a divorce order is granted.
After a divorce order comes into effect, there is a limitation period of 12 months from the date the divorce order comes into effect within which either spouse has leave to make application to the Family Court to resolve property settlement matters.
It is possible to negotiate a final resolution property settlement or parenting matters prior to making application for a divorce order.
If you would like more advice on what you need to achieve a pain-free and amicable separation please call us for a free 15-minute consultation or send an enquiry using our online form.
Why Choose Dimond Family Lawyers?
If you are facing a family law issue, choosing the right family lawyer is critical to achieving a favourable outcome. In Perth, Dimond Family Lawyers is an excellent option for anyone seeking legal representation.
We have been practising family law in Perth for over 20 years. Our team of lawyers has extensive knowledge and expertise in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, property settlement, and family/domestic violence matters.
We understand that every family situation is unique, and therefore we offer personalised attention to each of our clients. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your objectives, and provide you with legal advice that is tailored to your specific situation.
Family legal issues can be emotionally challenging, and our team recognise this. We provide a compassionate and supportive approach to our clients, helping them navigate through their legal matters with as little stress as possible.
We also provide cost-effective legal services, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. We offer competitive rates and work efficiently to keep your costs down.
Meet Our Team
Erryn Dimond - BPHE, GRAD DIP, JD, GDLP
Legal Practice Director
Erryn is an experienced family law practitioner, having worked in the Perth family law sector since early 2009.
Throughout her career, Erryn has gathered extensive experience and knowledge of complex financial matters, complex parenting matters, including litigation involving family violence (including restraining orders).
Whilst working in a family law paralegal role for 4 years under the supervision of an experienced senior legal practitioner, Erryn completed a Juris Doctor (Law) at Murdoch University in 2012, and post-graduate Practical Legal Training through the Australian National University in 2013.
Erryn is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Western Australia, the Law Society of Western Australia, and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Erryn is known for her empathetic and strategic approach to family law matters, as well as her candid and professional communication style.
Erryn has practical experience in a broad range of Family Law related matters and events including Procedural Hearings, Interim Arguments, Trials, Conciliation and Case Assessment Conferences, Child Dispute Conferences, external Mediation-Style Conferences, Legal Aid Dispute Resolution, and Family Court appeals.
Outside of work hours, Erryn has a keen interest in food and wine. She also enjoys playing tennis, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Leanne Galloway - LLB (Hons)
Associate
Leanne is a UK and WA qualified solicitor, having been admitted to practice in each jurisdiction in 2007 and 2018, respectively. She has significant post qualification experience in family law, criminal law and personal injury advice and litigation.
With specific experience working with government agencies addressing issues relating to family violence and child safety, Leanne brings a breath of family law experience, coupled with a practical and informed approach.
Most recently in Western Australia, Leanne has practiced solely in the area of family law, including the provision of advice in the areas of parenting disputes, relocation cases, family violence restraining orders, surrogacy, complex property matters, bankruptcy, and other areas of family law.
Leanne has a passion for family law and justice and is defined by her compassionate and informed approach to the provision of practical and tailored advice to her clients in all areas of family law.
Outside of the office, Leanne has worked as a volunteer through her local community football club, as well as having a strong interest in the practice and coaching of martial arts, having achieved a brown belt.
Tenielle Fernando - LLB, BA, GDLP
Associate
Tenielle completed a double degree in Law and Arts (History) at Edith Cowin University, following which she completed her Practical Legal Training with a prominent criminal barrister.
In 2016, Tenielle secured a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and was admitted to practice in May 2017.
During her legal career to date, Tenielle has gained experience at a generalist firm in regional Great Southern with a focus on family law, criminal law, restraining orders, property, wills, and estates.
During 2020, Tenielle expanded her experience through a boutique family law firm in Perth with autonomous responsibility for managing family law files from commencement to conclusion, including written letters of advice and correspondence, consent order applications, attending procedural hearings, interim hearings, Conciliation Conferences, Case Assessment Conferences, and mediation-based events.
Tenielle’s experience in restraining orders includes interim negotiations through to representation at trial (on behalf of applicants and respondents).
Tenielle has a compassionate and professional approach to family law with a focus on implementing creative solutions to resolve matters without unnecessary litigation.
Feedback from previous clients is consistently positive, with particular notice of Tenielle’s practical, informed and candid approach to liaison with clients and provision of advice.
When not in the office, Tenielle enjoys cooking, gardening (the rarer the plant or vegetable the better!), travelling, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Chantell Perry - Dip. LEG.SER
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Chantell brings a vast array of legal experience to our team, previously working in the areas of personal injuries and workers compensation claims, motor vehicle and industrial accident claims, conveyancing, companies work, wills & estates, general and commercial litigation, consumer and insurance litigation, civil litigation, customs matters, employment law and criminal law since 1996.
Chantell has worked primarily in family law since 2005. Consequently, she has a broad and thorough knowledge of family law processes and procedures.
At Dimond Family Lawyers, Chantell undertakes tasks as a senior legal secretary and a legal assistant, including liaison with clients, law firms, Court representatives and related parties, as well as drafting Court documents, correspondence, and producing spreadsheet analysis from disclosure provided.
With an experienced and practical approach to her role, Chantell is well known at Dimond Family Lawyers for her positive and resilient attitude.
Chantell has completed the Legal Assistants Training Course at the Law Society of Western Australia and also holds a Diploma of Legal Services through the College of Law, Education and Training.
When not at work, Chantell enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, socialising with friends, camping, beach activities and the general outdoors.
Renee Cowley
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Renee has worked primarily in a family law environment for over 23 years, with extensive knowledge of Family Court procedures, including additional experience in Wills and Estates, including Probate and Letters of Administration applications.
Renee obtained her Diploma of Legal Studies in 2017, which has supported her progress into roles that require the skills of a legal assistant.
At Dimond Family Lawyers, Renee works in a hybrid role, completing senior secretarial duties, but also (as a legal assistant) producing initial draft court documents, taking instructions from clients, and producing analysis of disclosure.
Renee is client-focused with an open and informed approach to working with clients, staff, and colleagues.
She genuinely enjoys assisting our clients move towards a new chapter in their life.Outside of work hours, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, long-distance running, being outdoors in the summer months, camping, and socialising.
Frequently Asked Questions.
In Perth, an application for divorce can usually be achieved within 4-5 months. The exact duration may depend on various factors such as whether a sole or joint application is made, any difficulties associated with service, the complexity of the relationship facts and the court’s workload.
In Australia, the only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which can be demonstrated by living separately for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
If your spouse will not agree to countersign a joint application for divorce, you can file a sole application for divorce.
In Australia, the alteration of property between separated spouses is governed by the requirement for the division to be “just and equitable”, taking into account various factors such as the length of the marriage, the parties’ contributions, and their future needs.
While it is not mandatory to engage a lawyer for a divorce in Perth, Western Australia, it is highly recommended. A lawyer can provide legal advice, help with paperwork and negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary.
Yes, you can apply for spousal maintenance after divorce in Perth. Spousal Maintenance is intended to provide financial support to a spouse that cannot adequately meet their reasonable expenses, taking into account factors such as their income, assets, and expenses.
In Australia, the living arrangements for a child are determined with reference to arrangements that are consistent with the child’s best interests, taking into account the benefit of the child enjoying a meaningful relationship with each parent, the need to protect the child from an unacceptable risk of harm or exposure to family violence, neglect or child abuse, the wishes of the child (subject to their maturity), lifestyle, culture and other welfare factors.
Mediation is a defined pre-action procedure in parenting disputes and is often required before court proceedings can commence.
Yes, you can apply to change child custody arrangements after securing a final parenting order, however, your application must demonstrate that a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the original parenting order was made.
If you are experiencing family violence, you should seek help immediately. This can include contacting the police, a family violence support service, or a lawyer who can assist you with obtaining a restraining order or other legal protections.
